Here's the thing: I don't normally do groups, and I'm clueless when it comes to systems and suchlike. However, I have this idea that really - at least in my own opinion, which I respect - lends itself to a group of four. Or three, but preferably not five. For the sake of avoiding confusion. What I have in mind will in some respects be similar to Space Hulk, and to some extent the video game, Dawn of War 2 ( not so much the first Dawn of War ).

The basic idea is for a squad of three or four Space Marines to be deployed to some godforsaken hellhole. I mentioned Space Hulk, and that is one possible option - having it set on a space hulk. However, as compelling as that setting is, that's far from the only option. It could be a Chaos-infested forge world, or a backwater overrun by Orks. Basically, the players take the role of the Space Marines, and kick alien ass, while at the same time having an actual story with actual depth, to add to the action.

The squad itself is flexible. I was thinking something along the lines of having one Sergeant, a Tactical Marine, a Devastator, and some fourth option ... Assault Marine? Apothecary? Librarian? Techmarine? Dreadnought, even? Chapter they belong to is flexible as well, though I lean toward something basic, something that won't require everyone to do a lot of reading. As interesting as I find Space Wolves, I know nothing about them!

What I'm interested in, is for them to be more than mere one-liner-spouting, faceless super-soldiers. I'm interested in distinct personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Space Marines are still individuals, after all.

Like I mentioned in the first paragraph, groups aren't normally my thing, and I'm nervous about starting something. That said, if there's genuine interest, and people are willing to lend a hand in making it happen and making it work, I'd be more than happy to do my part. So here's just throwing the idea out there, and seeing what happens.

Just out of curiosity, would you want to work things canon and only allow male characters as Space Marines, or would you accept female characters as well?

I don't know the system for Deathwatch well at all-I just got the book as well, but I do know that Space Marines are supposed to be male, at least according to canon.

I thought about this before, but I couldn't come up with a good answer. Space Marines specifically, I'd prefer to be male ... but then there are the Sister of Battle, different, but just similar enough that it might work?

I thought about this before, but I couldn't come up with a good answer. Space Marines specifically, I'd prefer to be male ... but then there are the Sister of Battle, different, but just similar enough that it might work?

Sisters of Battle have roughly the same gear as space marines, but they would lack the physical enhancement that Marines go through. Training is maybe comparable, though the view of the Emperor would probably be somewhat different.

I've always wanted to play a Space Marine. I do have Deathwatch, but I'm also know nothing about systems and would love a freeform game. (I got DW on a whim.) I have a fairly generic concept of an Ultramarine Librarian in my head.

Hmm. If I can find a place near where I live that actually sells Deathwatch, I can now actually afford to get the rules. I shall look into it. I wouldn't count on it, as it's a fairly alien concept here, but still ...

If you want to play a freeform Deathwatch game, that is just as the faction Deathwatch as opposed to the system game it would provide an ideal excuse to let people play as any Space Marine chapter they like, even customs if you so desire.

Each mission would likely play like a DOW2 mission, drop down, kill anything in between squad and big bag Eldar/Ork/{insert threat here} and get out.

And no, this isn't just me offering advice, also offering my interest. While I could play Deathwatch system freeform would suit me better, for time reasons.